08/18/2013

Effect of probiotics on brain dysfunction: Multiple sclerosis analogy

Growing evidence indicates that there is an ongoing cross-talk between intestinal bacteria and brain mediated in part by immune system. There is some evidence linking intestinal bacteria in pathogenesis of some disorders like autism including differences in type of gut bacteria and short term effect of antibiotics.

Certain type of mice, e.g. Relapsing-remitting (RR) mouse model spontaneously develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) which in analogous to human multiple sclerosis (MS). Thus these mice are genetically predisposed to the disease which I will refer to as EAE/MS

However not all of these mice develop disease EAE/MS

Interestingly, the risk for development of disease (35% to 90%) varies depending upon where they are located i.e. institution where breeding center is located .

Berer and colleagues from the Department of Neuro-immunology, Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology, Germany conducted studies in RR mouse model to determine the role of gut bacteria in the developmental of experimental multiple sclerosis.

Comparison of totally germ free animals (never exposed to bacteria) and specific pathogen free (SPF) animals showed that disease EAE/MS developed in SPF animals within 3 months, it did not develop in germ free animals.

Since bacteria play a key role in immune development, absence of disease in germ free animals suggests that lack of immune activation by gut bacterial stimulation.

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Disclaimer Autism

Postings are for general information and not intended for advice or use for self-diagnosis or treatment. I am a gastroenterologist and nutritionist, not your physician or autism specialist. Always read everything on internet with a grain of salt and consult your physician.